"The search committee was impressed with Travus' past work with
faculty members and the support he garnered to develop community
partnerships and assist faculty with designing experiential learning
components of a course," Benet said.

Burton said he is honored to work at Grand Valley and said the
university "values community engagement at the highest level."

"I am eager to begin exploring the possibilities for new
collaborations, while building upon some of the great initiatives and
plans already in motion," he said. "A major goal is to
continue building a culture that values and utilizes community
engagement in all aspects of the education we provide and the work we
do at Grand Valley."

Prior to his position at Oakland University, Burton served as service
learning coordinator for Central Michigan University's Center for
Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He was president of the Isabella
County Restoration House Board of Directors and instrumental in
establishing the county's first shelter to address homelessness.
Burton also worked as a HUD case manager for Capital Area Community
Services in Lansing.

He is working toward a doctoral degree in education from CMU; Burton
earned a bachelor's degree in communication and sociology from Saginaw
Valley State University, and a master's degree in educational
leadership from CMU.

A reception to welcome Burton to campus is planned for January 30,
4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Eberhard Center.